Early Years Foindation Stage Statutory Framework for childminders ( active September 2025) available here.
From 1 September 2025, the EYFS Statutory Framework introduces vital updates to strengthen safeguarding and welfare standards. These changes apply to all early years settings from childminding homes to larger group services. Here’s what’s changing and how it affects your practice:
Key Changes in the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS (2025)
Safer Recruitment & References:
Settings must now include robust safer recruitment procedures in their safeguarding policies. If a childminder wants to employ an assistant, they must secure a reference from the candidate’s current employer or training provider before they start work. Open references (e.g., “To whom it may concern”) or references from family members are not acceptable (See EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders, Section 3.20, p.26)
Attendance & Emergency Contacts:
Providers must act promptly on unexplained or prolonged absences and keep clear records of attendance. Each child must have at least two emergency contact numbers on file (See EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders, Section 3.11-3.12, p.24)
Safeguarding Training & Annex C:
A new Safeguarding Training Criteria (Annex C) sets out specific training content. Childminders who operate as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) must complete and document this training, renewed every two years (with optional annual refreshers) (See EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders: Annex C, pp.42-43)
Paediatric First Aid (PFA):
Trainees and apprentices must hold valid PFA certification to be counted in required staff-to-child ratios ( See EYFS, Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers, Section 3.42, p.24)
Safer Mealtimes:
At least one adult with valid PFA must supervise meals. Settings must document dietary needs, allergy risks, and choking hazards (See EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders,, section 3.63-3.70, pp. 27-28).
Toileting & Nappy-Changing Privacy:
Balance children’s privacy with necessary supervision, e.g., use screens or position yourself to allow discrete care while monitoring the environment (See EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders, Section 3.86, p. 32)
Whistleblowing Procedures:
A clear whistleblowing policy must be included in safeguarding documentation, explaining how staff can report concerns internally or externally (e.g., Ofsted, LADO)
What This Means for You
These updates reinforce a culture of safety, clarity, and accountability in early years settings. As a childminder, here’s how to respond:
Recruitment & Safeguarding Policies:
When employing an assistant, always obtain a verified reference beforehand. Keep clear records of the recruitment checks, reference source, identity and qualification verification in your safeguarding policy.
Attendance Systems:
Maintain accurate daily attendance logs with clear start/end times. Act immediately on unexplained absences, document contact attempts, and ensure each child has two up-to-date emergency contacts.
Training & Annex C Compliance:
Complete training according to Annex C. When working with assistants, ensure they also receive appropriate training. Keep records of completion dates and set reminders for refreshers every two years (or sooner if needed).
Paediatric First Aid Certification:
Verify that any assistants or trainees have valid PFA certifications before counting them in your staffing ratios. Keep expiry dates recorded and tracked.
Mealtime Safety:
Always have a PFA-qualified adult present during meals. Update records with allergy and dietary information and ensure safe preparation and supervision procedures are in place.
Privacy During Personal Care:
Use screens or positioning to provide privacy during nappy-changing/toileting while maintaining supervision across the environment.
Whistleblowing Policy:
Even if you work alone, include a clear statement on your site’s whistleblowing procedures, and ensure anyone helping you, such as assistants, knows how to report concerns externally if needed.
By proactively aligning your setting with these updates, you’ll be ahead of the compliance curve and more importantly, reinforcing a secure, professional, and caring environment for the children in your care.
